Family to make plea at killer's sentencing

Hockey dad described as 'gentle giant'

Published: Sunday, January 13, 2002

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP)  He's been called a raging bully, the 270-pound truck driver who killed another hockey dad with his fists. But a gentler picture of Thomas Junta will likely emerge when his family testifies at his sentencing later this month.

Junta, 44, was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter in the July 5, 2000, beating death of Michael Costin.

His lawyer says Junta is a "gentle giant" who, after his son took an elbow in the face, confronted Costin for running a rough hockey practice.

The jury found Junta did not intend to kill Costin, but went too far during the fight at the Burbank Ice Arena in suburban Boston. He faces a maximum 20-year sentence, but guidelines recommend three to five years.

Juror Richard Rotberg said the jury thought Junta came off as a decent man during his testimony.

Even Gus Costin, the victim's father, said he had kind words for Junta before the verdict.

"I told him, 'I don't hate you. I forgive you,"' Costin said. "He's a hardworking man. What he did was terrible, but I don't think he meant to do it."

His lawyer, Thomas Orlandi Jr., said Junta works four long work days so he can spend the other three with his sons, 12-year-old Quinlan and 17-year-old Kendall, both avid hockey players. His wife, Michelle, is a swim coach.

During his sentencing hear

"He's a down-to-earth guy. I think he's very, very sorry for what happened."SUBHEAD:Richard RotbergJuror

ing, Junta will be allowed to present character witnesses and family members in the hope of persuading the judge to give him a lenient sentence.

Junta has plenty of willing family members; most of his seven brothers and five sisters were present during the trial, often hugging him and patting his arm during recesses.

Witnesses testified that Costin and Junta both were belligerent the day of the fight, exchanging profanities and brawling in front of children.

Some witnesses said Costin threw the first punch, while others said Junta was the aggressor and that he viciously beat Costin into unconsciousness.

Costin's family will have a chance to speak at Junta's sentencing as well.

Costin, 40, had four children, ages 11 through 14. Gus Costin said his son had a drinking problem and had been in and out of prison, but had recently been sober and working as a carpenter and painter.